Heightened security for Rose Parade and Rose Bowl following SoCal attack

AUTHORITIES are stepping up security measures at this year’s Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, following the recent terrorist shooting attack in San Bernardino which rattled the Southern California region.

“Recent mass shootings in San Bernardino and Paris will have law enforcement on heightened alert during the events that annually draw hundreds of thousands of spectators into the city…events at home and abroad have put added attention on the safety efforts at the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game,” Steve Mermell, the city of Pasadena Assistant City Manager told the Los Angeles Times.

“However, each and every year, the city of Pasadena, working closely with its partners, the Tournament of Roses and federal, state and local law enforcement undertake significant efforts to ensure public safety,” he said.

Though officials have stressed that they have not received any threats targeting the annual event, the city said on Tuesday, Dec. 22 that “enhanced security measures” would be in effect along the Pasadena parade route and at the Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, the first day of the new year.

The Rose Bowl stadium, with a capacity of 92,542, is the 12th largest stadium in the US. The 102nd game will match two of the top college football teams in the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, the Iowa Hawkeyes against Stanford Cardinal.

The 127th Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual tradition dating to over 100 years old, has a regular attendance of over 700,000 people from across the US and worldwide.

In a news conference with reporters Tuesday, officials said there would be more security cameras along the route, with cameras covering the entire parade route and the game, as well as dozens of trained K-9 dogs to sniff for bombs. They also said the public should expect police officers to be both uniformed and undercover, mixed in with the crowds, along with at least 12 rapid emergency response teams standing at the ready.

Mark Selby, a deputy special agent with Department of Homeland Security Investigations, said that the annual event would receive increased federal resources and funding this time around, meaning “greater access” to the DHS.

“On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, federal personnel will be employing a variety of explosive-detection methods, as well as at key venues across the city from bomb-sniffing dogs to sophisticated devices that register even minute amounts of radiation,” Selby told the Pasadena Star-News.

“Pasadena’s iconic celebration will receive more federal support than in any year before, after receiving a Special Event Assessment Rating 1, a designation given to the Super Bowl and fewer than 12 other national events each year.”

Both the Rose Parade and game received the SEAR 1 Rating last year, which is determined by how iconic an event is and how many people attend, as well as other world events, according to Selby. DHS and the Pasadena Police Department have increased overall security in response to the radicalized terrorist attack that killed 14 and injured 21, but the bulk of their preparations began much earlier, officials said.

“This is not a Band-Aid to throw on an open wound. This year’s the first year we’ve really increased our footprint,” he added.

Pasadena Police Spokeswoman Tracey Ibarra also noted the higher rating means the department, which leads security detail, is more prepared than ever.

“We’ve always had some [federal resources] but now we have much more,” she said. “We are sitting down and having conferences and meetings with [the DHS] on a daily basis.”

Residents and visitors should expect more police, extended security measures, and increased technology (automated license plate scanners, advanced detection devices) throughout the city.

Law officials urged the public to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious packages or activity.

In a statement, the Pasadena Police and fire officials reiterated that drones will not be not allowed at any of the events. The city also prohibits tents, sofas, and scaffolding along the parade route. Umbrellas and selfie sticks are also are not allowed inside the stadium or within the secured grandstand area of the parade. The Rose Bowl Stadium also has a strict “Clear Bag” policy, which specifies the types of bags and purses (clear plastic, small-sized clutches) allowed into the arena.

“Our focus is a strong enforcement effort, and to help our football fans and our parade-goers to enjoy the parade,” said Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez. “Our greatest value are the people who are going to be on the parade route.”

Fire officials reminded participants to dress warm, because overnight low temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s, and high temperatures expected in the low 60s on January 1, reported MyNewsLA.

A hotline for suspicious activity or persons will be available for attendees at (626) 744- 4241, while those in life-threatening emergencies should directly call 911.

More information is available on the city of Pasadena’s website, www.cityofpasadena.net.